Gifting Our Advent Stress to Holy Souls
Imitation of Christ
Photo By: Flickr/Evan Bench
I'm an avid reader. "So many good books, so little time" could be my motto. I'll never be bored because I'll never have enough time in my life or energy to read every book I'd like. Considering that, there are few books I would consider reading more than once. "The Imitation of Christ" is an exception to this rule.
This tiny book is worth it's weight in gold. It is packed full of spiritual advice that any serious person of faith would do well to heed.
"Anyone who wishes to follow Me must deny self, take up the cross and follow Me." (Mark 8:34) This is a difficult task in a culture that shuns morality. Yet this work, is a spiritual guide to assist you in this fight against the snares of popular behavior.
Chapters contained in this book include topics on humility, resisting temptation, avoiding hasty judgment, love of silence, patience in suffering and trusting in God. There is discussion on conduct during dry spiritual periods. as well as a plan towards sainthood. Illustrations and Bible quotes throughout help the reader digest the content.
It is said St. Therese the Little Flower had this entire work memorized. Many a devoted Catholic has read her personal story and loves her example. Yet fewer have read "The Imitation of Christ" that so affected her life towards sainthood.
I encourage you to invest your time in reading this work. The chapters are tiny and can be mediated upon in bits and pieces. I'm confident once you read it you'll agree---this is a work certainly worth reading more than once.
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About the Author
I was born a cradle Catholic and was blessed to attend parochial elementary and high schools. My professional career started in the field of architecture. My only regret about that profession was that I never got the chance to design a Catholic church or chapel. Wanting to fulfill a desire to work closer with people, I eventually transitioned to the education field to work as a para-professional, primarily assisting with special education students. Working with those children proved to be extremely rewarding!
I enjoy time with family as well as attending Mass, gardening, photography, crafting and reading. I also enjoy learning more about our faith and promote causes for the Poor Souls in Purgatory and for the protection of the unborn, elderly and infirmed.
